Astronomy May 2014

Peering inside a monster galaxyby Steve NadisX-rays tell an explosive tale about the inner workings of M87 — a giant elliptical galaxy in the Virgo cluster that ranks among the most massive in the local universe.

Secret lives of supermassive starsby Yvette CendesThe most massive stars burn through their material incredibly fast, die in fantastic explosions, and have long-lasting effects on their neighborhoods.

A dream night with the Discovery Channel Telescopeby Tom PolakisFew observers are able to use an instrument with a 14-foot mirror. For one night, Tom Polakis saw how the universe looks through such a behemoth.

View Ceres and Vesta at their bestby Richard TalcottTake time this spring to track down the two brightest asteroids.

24 gems near the North Celestial Poleby Michael E. BakichPoint your telescope northward any clear night, and you'll see some of the best star clusters, nebulae, and galaxies in the sky.

See Saturn in prime timeby Michael E. BakichDon't wait any longer. The time to observe Saturn is now!